Jenkins versions and LTS - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the difference between Jenkins LTS and weekly releases?

Jenkins LTS (Long-Term Support) releases are stable versions updated approximately every 12 weeks with tested features and fixes. Weekly releases have the latest features but may be less stable.

beginner

Why should you use Jenkins LTS for production environments?

Because Jenkins LTS versions are tested thoroughly and updated less frequently, they provide more stability and reliability for production use.

beginner

How often are Jenkins LTS releases published?

Jenkins LTS releases are published approximately every 12 weeks.

beginner

What is a weekly Jenkins release?

A weekly Jenkins release is a version published every week that includes the latest features and bug fixes but may not be fully tested for stability.

intermediate

Can you upgrade from a Jenkins weekly release to an LTS release?

Yes, you can upgrade from a weekly release to an LTS release, but it is recommended to test the upgrade in a safe environment first to avoid issues.

How often are Jenkins LTS versions released?

A Every 6 months

B Every week

C Every day

D Every 12 weeks

Jenkins LTS versions are released approximately every 12 weeks to ensure stability.

Which Jenkins version is best for testing new features?

A Weekly release

B LTS release

C Oldest release

D No release

Weekly releases have the latest features and are suitable for testing.

Why choose Jenkins LTS for production?

A More stability

B Less testing

C Faster updates

D More features

LTS versions are more stable and reliable for production.

What is a risk of using weekly Jenkins releases in production?

A Lack of new features

B Longer update cycles

C Less stability

D No bug fixes

Weekly releases may be less stable and can cause issues in production.

Can you switch from a weekly Jenkins release to an LTS release?

A No, never

B Yes, with testing

C Only after 1 year

D Only on weekends

Upgrading from weekly to LTS is possible but should be tested first.

Explain the main differences between Jenkins LTS and weekly releases.

Think about how often each version is released and why you would choose one over the other.

Describe why Jenkins LTS is recommended for production environments.

Consider what is most important when running critical systems.

Practice

1. What is the main difference between Jenkins LTS and weekly versions?

easy

A. LTS versions are more stable and updated less frequently

B. Weekly versions are more stable than LTS versions

C. LTS versions have fewer features than weekly versions

D. Weekly versions are only for testing and cannot be used in production

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand Jenkins version types

   Jenkins offers two main version types: LTS (Long-Term Support) and weekly releases.

2. Step 2: Compare update frequency and stability

   LTS versions are designed to be stable and receive updates less often, while weekly versions get new features and fixes more frequently but may be less stable.

3. Final Answer:

   LTS versions are more stable and updated less frequently -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Stability and update frequency = LTS [OK]

Hint: LTS means stable and slow updates, weekly means fast updates [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing stability between LTS and weekly
• Thinking weekly versions are for production only
• Assuming LTS has fewer features always

2. Which command correctly checks the Jenkins version installed on a Linux server?

easy

A. jenkins --version

B. jenkins version check

C. jenkins -v

D. java -jar jenkins.war --version

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify Jenkins version check command

   Jenkins runs as a Java application using the jenkins.war file, so checking version uses the java command with the war file.

2. Step 2: Validate correct syntax

   The correct syntax is: java -jar jenkins.war --version. Other options are invalid commands or incorrect flags.

3. Final Answer:

   java -jar jenkins.war --version -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Use java -jar jenkins.war --version [OK]

Hint: Use java -jar jenkins.war --version to check Jenkins version [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using 'jenkins --version' which is invalid
• Trying 'jenkins -v' which Jenkins does not support
• Typing commands without java or war file

3. If you install Jenkins weekly version and then run java -jar jenkins.war --version, what output should you expect?

medium

A. An error saying version cannot be determined

B. A version number with a date indicating the weekly build

C. The latest LTS version number

D. No output, just returns to prompt

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand output of version command

   The command shows the Jenkins version installed, including build info.

2. Step 2: Identify output for weekly version

   Weekly versions include a date or build number in the version string, unlike LTS which is a stable release number.

3. Final Answer:

   A version number with a date indicating the weekly build -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Weekly version output includes date/build info [OK]

Hint: Weekly versions show date in version output [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Expecting LTS version number for weekly install
• Thinking command returns no output
• Assuming error occurs for weekly versions

4. You installed Jenkins LTS but notice frequent plugin compatibility errors. What is the most likely cause?

medium

A. Running Jenkins without Java installed

B. Installing weekly plugins on LTS Jenkins

C. Using an outdated LTS version with newer plugins

D. Incorrect Jenkins home directory permissions

Solution

1. Step 1: Analyze plugin compatibility issue

   Plugin errors often occur when Jenkins core and plugins versions mismatch.

2. Step 2: Identify cause related to LTS version

   Using an older LTS version while installing newer plugins can cause incompatibility.

3. Final Answer:

   Using an outdated LTS version with newer plugins -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Old LTS + new plugins = compatibility errors [OK]

Hint: Match plugin versions with Jenkins core version [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Blaming weekly plugins on LTS without checking versions
• Ignoring Java installation issues
• Assuming permissions cause plugin errors

5. Your team wants a Jenkins version that balances stability and access to new features for a production environment. Which version strategy is best?

hard

A. Use the latest LTS version and update it every 12 weeks

B. Use the latest weekly version and update plugins weekly

C. Use an old LTS version and never update it

D. Use weekly versions but only update every 6 months

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand production needs

   Production environments need stability but also reasonable updates for security and features.

2. Step 2: Evaluate version strategies

   Latest LTS versions provide tested stability and updating every 12 weeks balances new features and risk.

3. Step 3: Reject risky options

   Weekly versions updated too often can cause instability; old LTS without updates risks security issues.

4. Final Answer:

   Use the latest LTS version and update it every 12 weeks -> Option A

5. Quick Check:

   LTS + regular updates = stable and current [OK]

Hint: Choose LTS with regular updates for production [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Choosing weekly versions for production without caution
• Never updating Jenkins risking security
• Updating weekly versions too infrequently